Book Review: Over, Bear! Under, Where?

 

 

Julie Hedlund has written a delightful book about puns and compound words in which a bird and a mole engage in silliness and friendship. Michael Slack digitally painted whimsical animals which bounce across the page. This fun story teaches an opposites lesson, a compound words lesson and always a lesson in friends and caring. One barely notices that is educational and quite helpful for young readers learning to sound out words. Philomel Books published Over, Bear! Under, Where?

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Book Review: The Fort

 

 

 

Laura Perdew writes about a magical fort that includes a pirate, a prince and ships in The Fort: Can a Pirate and a Prince Learn to Share? Adelina Lirius who lives in Sweden mixes media to create bright illustrations in The Fort, which is published by Page Street Kids. Morning, afternoon, and shared open space are all background concepts which are addressed in this picture book. Ms. Perdew writes a story of imagination, collaboration and compromise.

 

One question interview with Laura Perdew:

What piece of advice was most helpful when you were beginning your writing career?

LP I don't actually have just one piece of advice! But, overall, I'd say that you have to remember that writing is a journey. And once you've "finished" one manuscript, keep writing. At the same time, keep learning: read mentor texts, join a critique group, go to conferences and workshops, and apply what you learn to your own work. 

Thank you for the advice.

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Fox with Swiss Chard

 

Book Review: The Elephants Come Home

 

The Elephants Come Home: A True Story of Seven Elephants, Two People and One Extraordinary Friendship written by Kim Tomsic and published by Chronicle Books is a beautiful story about love and elephants. Seven wild, African elephants cause big problems until Lawrence Anthony and Francoise Malby-Anthony provide a solution. Hadley Hooper composes her bright and engaging illustrations using watercolor, ink, printmaking and software. The words and illustrations produce a touching story about conservation and humans. As always Ms. Tomsic includes a collection of sources, facts and photos in the end papers.

One Question Interview with Kim Tomsic:

You write both fiction and nonfiction books, which speakers were most helpful to your writing career?

Your question is fantastic. I have studied craft books and attended writing conferences and classes for 12 years now. I am certain that I will be a forever learner — in fact, I'm currently working on my Master's Degree in Children's Literature (a two-year program at Hamline University --I graduate in January 2022). That said, I love learning everything from structure, character arcs, turning a scene, the hero's journey, etc. down to the nitty gritty tips and tricks writers use. Some of the most influential lectures I've attended were given by:  Sara Pennypacker, Elana K. Arnold, Swati Avasthi, Richard Peck, Erin Entrada Kelly, Denise Vega, Sherri L. Smith, and Jean Reidy. The most influential audio lecture I listened to was given by the team of Michael Hague and Christopher Vogler. And the most influential books I read on craft were written by Lisa Cron (Wired for Story, and Story Genius), and Blake Snyder (Save the Cat).

… and “editor Melissa Manlove being a key one.”

Thank you for the answers and Congratulations on your upcoming graduation!

Previous posts about Kim Tomsic: Guitar Genius 

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Learn more about elephants here: San Diego Zoo 

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Book Review: Tad Lincoln's Restless Wriggle

 

Turkey pardons, began with Tad Lincoln. Tad Lincoln’s Restless Wriggle: Pandemonium and Patience in the President’s House written by Beth Anderson and published by Calkins Creek covers this fact, learning disability, and love. S.D. Schindler’s ink, watercolor, and gouache illustrations convey humor and delightful chaos while taking the reader back to 1863 and a much more rural President’s House as the White House was formerly known. As always Ms. Anderson includes a collection of facts, photos and primary and secondary sources in the end papers. This book brought a smile to my face.

One Question Interview with Beth Anderson:

Which workshops were most helpful to your writing career?

Workshops and retreats where you get to spend real time working on practical ideas and moving your works in progress forward are, to me, the best ways to spend professional development dollars. The decision to attend a retreat for nonfiction kid lit writers in 2016 made all the difference for me. I met so many writers I now call friends and rely on as critique partners. I also met professionals that generously shared the “how” that I desperately needed to push forward and break through. That’s where I heard Barb Rosenstock talk about her “so what?” concept, and I also learned from Jill Esbaum, Linda Skeers, Lisa Amstutz, and many more amazing writers, agents and editors. In 2019 I attended a retreat for nonfiction kid lit sponsored by Edit and Get It with Candace Fleming, Jen Swanson, Neal Porter, and again, so many more fantastic editors, agents, and creators. I had done some webinars with Candace Fleming previously, and had been trying to get my head around her “vital idea” concept for years. Every time I get to hear her, I soak up more, and my understanding goes deeper. Her workshops have been key to what I’ve been able to do, and I’m extremely grateful for her generosity and teaching. 

Previous posts about Beth Anderson:"Smelly Kelly" and His Super Senses and An Inconvenient Alphabet

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